Teach Yourself Guitar Blog

Learning and playing major guitar scales is an important aspect for any aspiring guitar player. In terms of music theory, learning major guitar scales will help you to write your own music and understand the important concept of tonality. After reading this post and practicing these exercises you will be able to write and play all of the major guitar scales.

A scale is simply all of the main pitches in a composition arranged in order from lowest to highest without repeating any of them. The scales which form the basis for most of the music we hear are the major and minor scales. The concept that one single note is the central tone for which all other notes in a major or minor scale flow is called tonality. Almost all music we hear today is considered ‘tonal’.

In particular, the major guitar scale is a series of eight tones arranged in a specific pattern of whole steps and half steps – W, W, H, W, W, W, H.

For example, the C major scale, in which C is the tonic note, can be found beginning on C. Then using the pattern of whole steps and half steps above, we move up the eight tones until we reach the next C pitch which is an octave above:

Here is how the above C major scale is played on the guitar, in open position:

So, a major scale can be constructed on any note. Simply use the whole and half step pattern. To build them correctly, use every letter of the musical alphabet (A through G) and don’t repeat any. Also, when placing the notes on a staff, use every line and space without repeating any. This is how to write major scales properly.

For example, the D major scale is written D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D — NOT D, E, Gb, G, A, B, Bb, D.

Grab your guitar and practice playing major guitar scales on any note. Be sure to practice writing-out the scales on staff paper as well. This will greatly improve your overall guitar knowledge and your ability to write your own music.

Click here to see how notes are labeled on a treble clef staff and the corresponding open position on the guitar.

Learn to play major guitar scales and much more, the fastest way possible! Click here to learn how.

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